Tips to move your toddler from the breast to the bottle

It's all well and good you deciding to stop breastfeeding - but the other party involved might have other ideas! Joanna Bounds has some ideas to help make the process a little easier.

Toddler weaning tips

Like many things, the longer they last the more difficult they may be to change. Try these tips to help a toddler wean:

Keep busy - if your toddler is busy and distracted he might miss a feed without noticing

Substitute breastfeeds with different snacks, or provide drinks with a straw. A fluffy at a cafe when you’d normally be at home having a breastfeed is likely to be greeted with enthusiasm. You could also make milky snacks.

Whenever possible, leave your toddler with someone they are familiar with around normal breastfeeding times - they will hopefully fill up on (healthy) snacks and happily miss a breastfeed.

Organise for Dad or someone else to see your to toddler during the night and perhaps offer water or milk from a cup.

Toddlers who refuse solids

Although it’s likely that your baby will be ready to try solids at around six months, all babies are different. Some want to start a bit later, which is fine, as long as there isn’t too much of a delay. If your baby is nearing seven months of age and hasn’t started solids yet, seek advice from your doctor.

This article was written by Joanna Bounds and adapted for Kidspot, New Zealand's favourite parenting resource for Early Life Nutrition.

Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breast milk. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby. This post is part of the Early Life Nutrition story.